Ahobila NarasiMha Darshana

Ahobila NarasiMha Darshana parichayAtmaka lEkhana
Feb. 19
2013 May 23,

Narasimha Jayanti
!! Shri Lakshmi NarasiMha PrasIdatu !!
Shri Ahobila kshEtra

Darshana
parichayAtmaka lEkhana
Preface
As per Sri Ahobila NarasiMha dEvara prErane, the inspiration to compile this document is
our recent holy trip to this blissful shrine from Jan 25-27, 2013. You may recall the photo
album shared by Sri Vadiraj Kulkarni in the e-groups recently. An effort is made here to bring
out an Information oriented document to help devotees to plan their visit to this holy place.
Looking forward to suggestions and corrections if any as it is beyond ones comprehension
to write about Lord NarasiMha Devaru and His kAruNya on mankind.
shravaNa manakAnaMdavIvudu bhavajanita du:khagaLa kaLevudu
vividha bhogagaLihaparaMgaLittu saluhuvudu,
bhuvana pAvanavenipa lakumIdhavana maMgaLa katheya
paramOtsavadi kivigoTTAlipudu bhUsuraru dinadinadI .... HKS 2.1
I am not the doer Lord Hari is the doer
Even so, whatever He makes me do is His worship by His grace, not otherwise.
mama swami harirnityaM sarvasya patirEvacha
23.05.2013 Sri Narasimha Jayanti
Compiled by Aravind Madabhavi, Bangalore
- ARAVIND MADABHAVI
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Feb. 19
Ahobilam is located in Karnool district of Andhra Pradesh in the hills of the

eastern ghats, about 400 KM northwest of Chennai. From Bangalore,
Ahobilam is about 350 K.m. The train timing is not very convenient from
Bangalore. Prasant Express leaves Bangalore at 2:00 p.m. and reaches Nandiyal
at about 11:50 p.m. From Nandiyal, Ahobilam is about 60 KM via Allagadda. The
return train to Bangalore leaves Nandiyal at about 11:10 p.m. and reaches
Bangalore at 10 a.m. By road, the travel is via Madanapalli, Cuddapah, and
Allagadda. The drive is about 7:30 hours.
The temple consists of nine shrines to Lord NarasiMha located around a 5

KM circle. In addition to the nine shrines, there is a temple for
Prahaladavarada Varadhan in the foothills of the mountain. Due to
security reasons and the difficulty in performing daily worship, many of
the utsava vigrahas of the nine shrines are kept in this temple.
Garuda wished for a vision of Lord
NarasiMha in the form of the
Avathara. To fulfill his wish, the Lord
settled in the hills around Ahobilam
in the midst of dense forests in nine
different forms. For this reason this
hill came to be known as Garudadri,
Garudachalam, and Garudasailam.
Ahobilam is the place where the Lord Lower Ahobilam Temple
killed Hiranyakasipu and saved
Prahalada. Mahalakshmi took avathar as Senjulakshmi among the Senju,
tribal hunters of the hills, and married the Lord.
Sri Ahobila Muth, one of the most important Sri Vaishnava religious
institutions in India, was established by Sri Athivan Satakopan at the
instructions of Lord Lakshmi NarasiMha of Ahobilam. In fact, the utsava
moorthy of the Malola NarasiMha temple, one of the nine shrines of
Ahobilam, is the presiding deity of Sri Ahobila Mutham. Sri Malolan
accompanies Srimad Azhagiya Singar, the spiritual and titular head of Sri
Ahobila Mutham, on his travels.
Sthala Puranam
The Ahobilam Kshetra is situated in the Eastern Ghats which display not
only picturesque view but demonstrate divinity as well. The Eastern Ghats
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are likened to the great serpent Adhisesha basking in the sun with its
head (or hood) at Thirumala, its middle at Ahobilam and its tail- end
portion at Srisailam - all the three with famous temples on them.
The subject we have before us is Ahobilam. Of course, Thirupathi and
Srisailam are also frequented pilgrimage centres. Ahobilam because of
this special issue. Not only Mahabharatha; but also ancient puranas like
Koorma Purana, Padma Purana and Vishnu Purana mention about
Ahobilam and its presiding deity Narasimha. In fact, Brahmanda Purana
says that this place was once the palace of Hiranyakasipu who was slain
by Sriman Narayana manifesting as Narasimha from a pillar there for the
sake of his staunch devotee Prahlada. Vagaries of time brought about the
destruction of the then existing structures yielding place to nature's
creation of the mountain range that preserved the site of incarnation as
"Svayam Vyakta Kshetram" of Lord Narasimha.
According to Sthala Purana, there are two popular legends for the
derivation of the word 'Ahobilam'. It is stated that the Devas (Gods),
while witnessing the terrific aspect (Ugra Kala), the lord took on in order
to tear to pieces Hiranyakasipu sung in His praise as 'Ahobala' (Lo: the
strength). Hence this place has come to be known as Ahobilam. In
support of this, there is a prapatthi sloka about-Ahobilam that reads:"Aho Veeryam Aho Souryarn AhoBahuparakramah
Naarasimham Param Daivam Aho balam Aho Balam.
The other version is that because of the great cave, the Ahobila, where
Garuda worshipped, did penance and realised the lord, the place itself has
come to be called Ahobilam. The Ahobilam 'Kaifiyat' gives support to this
legend. (The Ahobilam Kaifiyat forming part of Mackenzie collections gives
very valuable information regarding the Ahobilam temples. Kaifiyats - the
digests from 'Kaviles' or village registers containing information on the
political, social, religious and other conditions of the villages in Deccan
were prepared by Pandits and Mussadis working under Col. Mackenzie.)
The Ahobilam Kaifiyat is in Telugu and available in the State Archives at
Hyderabad (vide "Ahobila Narasimhaswamy temple" - Monograph by P.
Sitapati, Commissioner of Archives).
As per this record, "On one of the mountains in the Nallamalai hills range,
eight amadas from Srisaila Kshetra, Garuda commenced silent penance to
obtain a vision of Lord Narasimha who destroyed Hiranyakasipu. The Lord
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in his grace, after long years of the tapas of Garuda, manifested Himself
in the cave of a mountain".
"Ten 'Paruvus' to the north-east of the mountain, where Garuda was
doing penance, a vision of His manifestation was then granted to Garuda,
who after obtaining a sign of the location of the mountain-cave, gladly
traveled thither and saw the embodiment of the Sathsvaroopa,'
Mahapurusha, Lord Jwalanarasimha - not easily accessible to common
people. Garuda then worshipped the Lord and praised him that 'Ahobilam
is Mahabalam' (Ahobilam is a great sustainer with strength). The Lord's
Divya Mangala Vigraha was worshipped by him with several sthotrasGaruda then considered himself as blessed after a vision of the Lord. This
divine place thereafter obtained the deserving name of Ahobilam".
"The mountain on which Garuda performed tapas became famous as
Garudachala. In the days of yore when truth and dharma prevailed, great
heat was observable near the mountain- cave of Ahobila; according to
legend when green grass was put in the cave, it would catch fire and
smoke would be emitted. Several great Rishis lived there for a time; after
sometime with the knowledge that great places would become common
Janapadas in the Kali age, they left for northern lands, covering up the
Narasimha cave with boulders. Traditionally therefore this place is being
called the Narasimha Kshetra. There are thus nine Narasimha places,
Nava-Narasimhas;
The Nine
Narasimha
Narasimha
Chatravata
Narasimhasthalas are :- 1. Jwala Narasimha 2. Ahobila

3. Malola Narasimha 4. Kroda(Varaha) Narasimha 5. Karanja
6. Bhargava Narasimha 7. Yogananda Narasimha 8.
Narasimha and 9. Pavana or holy Narasimha.
Before visiting these nine shrines, let us see how we approach the place.
Situated in the Nallamalai Hills, Ahobilam is about 24 Kms. from
Allagadda Taluk Headquarters, 112 Kms. from Cudappah and 65 Kms.
from Nandyal in Andhra Pradesh and can be reached by bus from
Hyderabad and also by rail via Kurnool and then by bus from there. Long
long ago, the Tamil mystic bard, Thirumangai Azhwar sang that Singavel
Kunram (Ahobilam) was accessible to none but Gods.
Due to the efforts of the current 45th Srimad Azhagiyasingar, the access
routes to several of the shrines have been greatly simplified such that
people of different age groups are now able to visit the places easily. The
whole complex is in two parts - one called Eguvu Ahobilam (Upper
Ahobilam) with Nava Narasimha shrines and the other called Diguvu
Ahobilam (Lower Ahobilam) with a single shrine for Lakshmee Narasimha
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connected by a road, stretching a distance of about 12.8 Kms. from Lower

Ahobilam to Upper Ahobilam.
The Sthalapurana of Ahobilam in Sanskrit gives an account of nine forms
of Narasimha, worshipped here. They are: 1. BHARGAVA NARASIMHA SWAMY
The Bhargava Narasimha Swamy is situated at a distance of two
kilometres from the Lower Ahobilam, on a hill, near the sacred pond,
known as 'Bhargava Theertham', where Bhargava Rama performed his
penance. Hence the Lord of the temple is known as Bhargava Narasimha
Swamy. From lower ahobilam, one can hire an auto riksha or even reach
by walk also.we have to climb about 132 steps to enter the temple.
bhArgava tapaswIsha bhAvanA bhavitAtmanE
akshaya tIrastha bhArgavAyastu maMgaLaM
2. YOGANANDA NARASIMHA SWAMY
This temple is to the south-east of Lower Ahobilam at a distance of 2
kilometres. The popular legend is that after killing Hiranyakasipu, Lord
Narasimha taught Prahlada several yogic postures. Therefore, the Lord in
this aspect is called Yogananda Narasimha.
chaturAnana chEtObja chitrabhAnu swarUpiNe
vEdAdri gawhara sthAya yOgAnaMdAya maMgaLaM
3. CHATRAVATA NARASIMHA SWAMY
About three kilometres from lower Ahobilam, the image of the deity is
installed under a peepal tree, surrounded by thorny bushes. Hence, the
Lord is called as Chatravata Narasimha Swamy. This vigraha is the
biggest of all nine shrines and a beautiful one. Narasimha swamy is in
padmasana with shankha, chakra in two hands and one hand in a lying
posture and other in Tala mudre. The legend goes that the haha Hu hu
gandharvas visited this shrine and performed Sangeet and Nritya Seva to
swamy and were blessed by the deity.
hAhA hUhwAkhya gaMdharva nRutya gIta hRutatmane
bhava haMtRutaTa cHatravaTa siMhAya maMgaLaM
4. AHOBILA NARASIMHA SWAMY
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The temple, situated on the Upper Ahobilam, at a distance of eight

kilometres from the Lower Ahobilam, is the main temple and the earliest
of all the nine temples there. The Lord here appears in his fierce aspect,
called Ugra Narasimha, who is the presiding deity of the temple and is
known as Ahobila NarasiMha Swamy. It is firmly believed the Lord
Narasimha was 'Svayambhu' (self-manifest) here. The swamy is
saligrama murty with two sholders. We can also see Pralhada doing puja
very near to swamy in the cave.
shrI shaThAri yatIMdrAdi yOgi hRutpadma bhAnavE
sarvatra paripUrNAya hObiLEkAya maMgaLaM
5. KRODAKARA (VARAHA) NARASIMHA SWAMY
The temple of this Lord is one kilometre away from the main temple of
Ahobila NarasiMha Swamy on the Upper Ahobilam. The image of the deity
has the face of a boar (varaha or kroda) and the Lord is seen along with
his Consort, Lakshmi. Hence the Lord of the temple is known as
Krodakara (Varaha) Narasimha Swamy here.
varAhakuMDE mEdinyE vArAhArtha pradAyinE
daMta lagna hiraNyAksha daMShtrasiMhAya maMgaLaM
6. KARANJA NARASIMHA SWAMY
This shrine is situated at a distance of one kilometre from the Upper
Ahobilam and one furlong from the road leading to Lower Ahobilam. The
image of the deity is installed under a tree, called 'Karanja Vruksham'.
Hence this Lord is called Karanja Narasimha Swamy. The swamy has third
eye and holding dhanussu as in RamAvatAra.
gO bhO hiraNya nirviNNa gObhila jnAna dAyinE
prabhaMjana janAsIra kAraMjAyAstu maMgaLaM
7. MALOLA NARASIMHA SWAMY
Nearly two kilometres from the main temple of Upper Ahobilam, is the
famous shrine of Malola Narasimha Swamy. The deity here appears in
'soumya' (graceful) form. As Lord Narasimha is seen with his consort,
Lakshmi, He is known as Malola Narasimha Swamy. The word 'Malola'
means beloved to Lakshmi (Ma=Lakshmi, Lola= beloved). It is said that
the 'utsavamoorthi' of the Lord appeared to Srimath Adivan Satakopa
Jeeyar, the first Jeeyar of Ahobila Mutt. Right from the founder, i.e., the
first Jeeyar of Ahobila Mutt down to the 44th pontiff, Srivan Satakopa Sri
Vedanta Desika Yatheendra Mahadesika, the present jeeyar, the
utsavamoorthi of Malola Narasirnha Swamy is worshipped and it is taken
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by them whenever they are on religious tours, visiting the villages every
year. Recently, the 45th Jeeyar Srivan Satakopa Sri Narayana Yatheendra
Mahadesikan has taken over the worship.
vAijAvirita bhayaiH vANIpati mukhaiH suraiH
mahitAya mahOdAra mAlOlAyAstu maMgaLaM
8. JWALA NARASIMHA SWAMY
The temple of Jwala NarasiMha Swamy, lies higher up the above temple,
on a hill called, 'Achalachaya Meru'. This is about four kilometres from the
Upper Ahobilam temple. This place is said to be the actual spot, where the
fierce anger of the Lord reached its culmination when he tore
Hiranyakasipu. The terrain is bit difficult. Here there are three vigrahas,
viz.chaturbhuja NarasiMha coming out of the pillar, ashtabhuja narasiMha
tearing the demonkings stomach and NarasiMha with sword in right hand
to hit the demon king.we can also see a fearful Pralhada in the side. Jwala
NarasiMha Swamy vigraha is of Eka shila and two eyes are not sufficient
to see the beauty of the Lord. After darshana of Lord here, you are
relieved of all tiredness and feel blissful and satisfied. Nere this shrine, we
can see RaktakuMda. It is stated that Lord Narasirnha after killing the
demon Hiranyakasipu, washed his hands in this 'theertham' and hence
the water is still reddish in appearance. (History of the cult of Narasimha
in Andhra Pradesh by Dr. M. Narasimhacharya).
hiraNyasthaMbha saMbhUta prakhyAta paramAtmanE
prahlAdArti mukhO jwAlA narasiMhAya maMgaLaM
ugraM vIraM mahAvishNum jwalaMtaM sarvatO mukhaM
nRusiMhaM bhIshaNaM bhadraM mRutyu mRutyu namAmyahaM
9. PAVANA NARASIMHA SWAMY
Nearby the above temple, is the shrine of Pavana Narasimha, on the
banks of the river, Pavana and it is about six kilometres from the Upper
Ahobilam temple. Hence the Lord of the shrine is known as Pavana
Narasimha Swamy. This is situated in thick forest. You have to reach this
place only by local jeep as the road is very bad with rocks very difficult
terrain. Sage BharadwAja has worshipped this lord here and was blessed.
bhAradwAja mahAyOgi mahApAtaka hAriNI
tApanIya rahsyArtha pawanAyAstu maMgaLaM
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The nine shrines are also worshipped as adhi devata of nine grihas. They
are:
Jwala maMgaLa
Ahobila - guru
Malola shukra
Varaha(Krodha)- rAhu
Karanja chaMdra
Bhargava sUrya
Yogananda shani
Chatravata kEtu
Pavana - budha
In addition to the shrines mentioned above, there is a famous shrine
dedicated to God Narasimha Swamy in the Lower Ahobilam, which is
popularly known as Prahlada Varada Sannidhi. The other objects of this
place are 'Ugra Sthambham' and 'Prahlada Mettu'.
(a) UGRA STHAMBHAM
At a distance of eight kilometres from the Upper Ahobilam temple, we can
see a cleft of the mountain dividing it into two visible parts. It is a longheld view that from the cleft, the Lord appeared in the form of Narasimha
and this cleft is known as 'Ugra Sthambham'.
(b) PRAHALADA METTU
The small shrine, situated in a cave on the hill, is in between Ugra
Sthambham and the Upper Ahobilam. It is dedicated to Prahlada
Narashimha Swamy. The image of the Prahlada is installed in a small
cave.
There are a number of holy 'theerthas' (water ponds) round this place. Of
these, Rakthakundam is the most important.
LOWER AHOBILAM
The temple surrounded by three prakaras in the Lower Ahobilam is
dedicated to Prahlada Varada i.e., the Lord whose grace bestows on
Prahlada. With Vijayanagar style noticeable in the structure, there are a
number of mandapas outside the temple. A shrine dedicated to Sri
Venkateswara exists to the south west of this Narasimha temple
and lends view to the episode that Lord Venkateswara obtained
the blessings of Narasimha just before his marriage with
Padmavathi. The Mukha Mandapa there, is now used as the Kalyana
Mandapa of Narasimha Swamy. With Lakshmeenarasimha as the
presiding Deity, the main temple consists of a sanctum, Mukhamandapam
and Rangamandapam with numerous pillars intricately carved and
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carrying rich sculptures. There are also three smaller shrines for Lakshmi,
Andal and Azhwars. In the sanctum are also kept the Utsava idols of
Prahlada Varada, Pavana Narasimha and the processional idols of Jwala
Narasimha endowed with ten hands and with Sreedevi and Bhoodevi on
His either side. A small idol of the first Jeeyar, Sri Adivan Satakopa Swami
is also kept before them.
What is apparent and observable is Lord Narasimha's posture in three
places including the one in a polar of a divine ascetic presenting ascetic
order to the first Jeeyar of Ahobila Mutt. Both in the Upper and Lower
Ahobilam, it is a common sight on the pillars of Lord Narasimha wooing
His consort Chenchulakshmi. The Lord chasing Hiranyakasipu in one pillar
and bursting forth from another pillar to tear him are very realistic.
Thanks to the 44th Jeeyar's efforts as also that of the Endowments
Department of A.P. Government, the complex has been renovated,
though a lot is desired to be done. It would not be out of place to mention
that good resting places, free or paid boarding arrangements (as is done
in Thirupathi), provision of enough drinking water and Devasthanam
canteens would go a long way to attract more number of pilgrims. The
annual uthsavam (Brahmothsava) performed in February every year is a
great attraction that lure both the common folk and the religious Pandits
to participate in them. Though under the care of the Ahobila Mutt whose
Jeeyars are hereditary trustees, co-operation from the public and the
government would help improve Ahobilam further.
There is a tall Jayasthambham erected in the spacious ground outside the
temple walls to mark the victory of Krishnadeva Raya. The Kakatheeya
Kings especially Prathapa Rudra had also contributed towards additional
structures and maintenance of this Ahobilam complex.
Sri Thirumangai Azhwar describes the place as very hard to visit (sendru
kandarkku ariya kovil, kavvu naayum kazhugum, deivamallal sella
vonna), but due to the efforts of the 45th Azhagiyasingar, this place
has transformed into "sendru kaandarku eliya (easy) kovil. Many
devotees visit Ahobilam frequently and the place is well connected with a
guest house and access to trains from Chennai, Bangalore and Bombay.
In addition, several tourist operators also frequently arrange religious
trips to Ahobilam from major cities.
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Travel Info
Manager, Malola Guest House
Ahobilam 518 545, Kurnool District, A.P
Phone: 08519 252 025/0252 045
094905 15284/094407 9273
Traveling to Ahobilam from Chennai

Ahobilam is about 400 KM west and slightly north of Chennai. To get to
Ahobila by road you will have to pass through Renigunta, Kadappa,
and Allagadda. Since Thirumalai Tiruppati is on the way one might
cover both Thiruppati and Ahobilam in one trip. However, the drive can
be quite hectic and tiresome. The recommended mode of travel is by
Train to Kadappa and by road from there. Each mode of transportation
is further explained below.
By Train from Chennai to Ahobilam
Bombay mail leaves Chennai at about 9:55 p.m. and reaches Kadappa
at about 3:15 a.m. You can take Bombay mail going to Chennai for the
return journey. Chennai bound Bombay mail arrives Kadappa at 10:25
p.m. and leaves at 10:30. It reaches Chennai at about 5:40 a.m.
Reservations may be made for round trip from Chennai to Kadappa
and back. Quota for Kadappa is available in Bombay mail.
From Kadappa, Ahobilam is about 100 KM. If you can afford it you can
hire a taxi for the day to go to Ahobilam and return. The approximate
cost would be Rs. 1000 for the round trip. If you are a group you can
hire a van for a day. In either of these two cases, you will be able to
finish all the Dharshan and return to Kadappa at night in time to catch
Bombay mail back to Chennai.
If you are in a position to hire a taxi, you can take a bus to Ahobilam.
There may be direct bus to Ahobilam, but frequency may be limited. In
stead, take a bus to Allagadda, and then from Allagadda you can take
another bus to Ahobilam. If you have to travel bus you may have
difficulty covering all the temples in one day.
By bus from Chennai to Ahobilam
There is an overnight bus from Madras to Nandiyal leaving at about
8:00 p.m. Nandiyal is a big town past Allagadda. Buy your ticket to
Allagadda. The bus will reach Allagadda at about 6 a.m. Get down at
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Feb. 19
Allagadda. From Allagadda, Ahobilam is about 30 KM. Town busses

ply between Allagadda and Ahobilam every 45 minutes. The last bus
leaves Ahobilam to Allagadda at 9:45 p.m. You may also hire a taxi
from Allagadda. The same bus returns to Chennai. It leaves Allagadda
at about 7:00 a.m. Check locally for exact time.
By car from Chennai to Ahobilam

The drive from Chennai is through Renigunta, Kadappa, and
Allagadda. It will take about 9 to 10 hours of hard driving. Avoid night
driving if you can.
Traveling to Ahobilam from Hyderabad
The distance between Hyderabad and Ahobilam is about 380 KM. By
train, take Thungabadra Express from Hyderabad (Kacheguda) to
Kurnool. This train leaves Hyderabad (Kacheguda) at 7:00 p.m. and
reaches Kurnool 10:30 p.m. From Karnool, Ahobilam is about 150 KM.
You may hire a taxi or take a bus for this part of the journey. The
approximate cost would be Rs. 1400 for the round trip. The return train
arrives Kurnool at 1:15 a.m. and reaches Hyderabad at 5:20 a.m.
You may also take a bus from Hyderabad to Allagadda. From
Allagadda, Ahobilam is about 30 KM. Town busses ply between
Allagadda and Ahobilam every 45 minutes. The last bus leaves
Ahobilam to Allagadda at 9:45 p.m. You may also hire a taxi from
Allagadda.
Traveling to Ahobilam from Bangalore
From Bangalore, Ahobilam is about 350 K.m. The train timing is not
very convenient from Bangalore. Prasant Express leaves Bangalore at
2:00 p.m. and reaches Nandiyal at about 11:50 p.m. From Nandiyal,
Ahobilam is about 60 KM via Allagadda. The return train to Bangalore
leaves Nandiyal at about 11:10 p.m. and reaches Bangalore at 10 a.m.
By road, the travel is via Madanapalli, Cuddapah, and Allagadda. The
drive is about 7:30 hours.
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Accommodation available at Ahobilam

Sri Ahobila Mutt maintains a Guest House called Malola Guest House.
There are a total of 14 rooms, 4 single rooms, 6 double rooms, and 4
triple rooms. Of these, two double rooms and two triple rooms are air
conditioned. In addition, there are 10 dormitory type rooms.
Online reservations are not possible at present.
For reservations please call
Badri Narayanan
PH:-08519-252045/252024
9490515284
Food and Restaurants in Ahobilam
A privately run canteen is located adjacent to Malola Guest House.
Vegetarian food is sold at this canteen.
In addition, Sri Ahobila Matham has established a trust called
Annamacharya Nitya Annadanam Trust. The goal of this trust is to
provide free food to devotees of Sri Lakshmi NarasiMha.
Free prasadam is offered three time a day. Dadiyannam (Curd rice) is
offered morning and evening. At noon time Tadiyaradhanam (full
course meals) is offered.
The monthly expense for this exceeds Rs. 20,000. Contributions to the
trust is welcome. Please contact the Malola Guest House manager at
08519-232045 for details.
You can see all the temples in Ahobilam in one day
Yes you can, if you are physically strong and focused on covering all
the temples. If you do not want to rush you need a day and a half; you
still need to be physically fit. There are 12 shrines in total. There are
the celebrated nine shrines called Nava NarasiMha. They are Jwala,
Ahobila, Malola, Kroda, Karanja, Bharaghava, Yogananda, Chatravata,
and Paavana. Then, we have Ugra Stambam, which is a column of
rock. This rock itself is considered Lord NarasiMha. The eleventh one
is called Prahlada Padi. These eleven are in the hills in one sense or
another. The twelth one is Prahlada Varadan temple located at Lower
Ahobilam near the Malola Guest House.
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Normally, devotees want to cover the nine NarasiMhas and Prahlada

Varadan. Only the brave (or foolhardy) attempt Ugra Stambam. Of the
nine, Jwala, and Pavana are most difficult. The starting point for both is
Ahobila NarasiMha temple at Upper Ahobilam, which can be reached
by road, and a climb of about 50 steps.
From Ahoilba temple, going to Jwala involves climbing through rocks
on a river bed and up a narrow path way for about an hour. Kroda is
right on the way to Jwala. Malola is about 100 steps to a side from
Kroda. So, in about three hours one can climb to Jwala and be back,
covering Kroda and Malola on the way up or down.
The starting point for Pavana is also Ahobila NarasiMha temple, but
the route is on the opposite side of Jwala Temple. First, one has to
climb some 250 very steep steps, and then walk for about 4 KM on
fairly plain ground. The round trip may take about three hours.
Recently, a path has been made for Jeeps to go to Pavana. It is a very
rough 2 hour drive from Lower Ahobilam.
With the above two trips you would have covered 5 temples, Jwala,
Ahobilam, Malola, Kroda, and Pavana. The remaining temples are very
easy. Karanja is on the way to Upper Ahobilam from Lower Ahobilam,
just on the road side. Yogananda and Chatravata are on plain ground
about a couple of KM from Lower Ahobilam. You can drive on paved
road for these two temples.
Finally Bhargava. This temple is also on plain ground about 2 KM from
Lower Ahobilam. But there is no paved road. You have to hire a Jeep
or Autorickshaw.
If you are interested in Ugra Stambam, it is another hour's climb from
Jwala. Prahlada Padi may also be visited on the way back from Ugra
Stambam. Or, Prahladha Padi may be visited from Malola Temple
also.
For a fee you can hire a guide to take you around all the temples. If
you wish to visit Ugra Stambam, a guide is highly recommended.
Hire a guide
Jwala and Ugra Sthambam are the two sannidees for which you need
to hire a guide. All other sannidees are relatively easily accessible.
Even between Jwala and Ugra Sthambam, the way to Jwala is
Page 13

Feb. 19
marked. You have to look for it carefully.

To hire a guide contact the manager of the Guest house. Contact
details are given below. The cost to hire a guide will vary. The estimate
is about Rs. 200.
You can contact one Mr. G V Ramanaiah, Ahobilam on Cell: 099487
40497 / 094906 56558 for guide / jeeps and planning visits well in
advance.
Special day for visiting Ahobilam
Every
month
on Swathi
Nakshatram
(star)Thirumanjanam
(Abhishekam) is performed for all the nine NarasiMhas (Nava
NarasiMhas) of Ahobilam. A full contingent of devotees travel from
Chennai, Hyderabad, and Bangalore for this occasion. This is a special
day to visit Ahobilam. You may also sponsor the Thirumanjanam. The
cost is Rs. 5,000 for all nine temples. The amount is deposited in a
trust called Swati Trust and used for the Thirumanjanam expenses. If
you wish to sponsor a Thirumanjanam please contact the manager of
Malola Guest House at 08519-232045. If you plan to attend Swati
Thirumanjanam please make advance reservation for a room to stay at
Ahobilam.
Further, Brahmothsavam is celebrated in Ahobilam in the month of
Masi, sometime between mid February to mid March. During this time,
entire Ahobilam takes on a festive appearance. The celebrations last
for 10 days. Lord Prahlada Varadhan enjoys riding in various Vahanas
during this time. This is a great time to visit Ahobilam to have grand
Dharshan of Lord NarasiMha. Be prepared for heat and big crowds.
narasiMhO akhila jnyana matadhwAMta divakaraH

jayatyamita sajnyana sukha shakti payOnidhiH
-AchArya madhwaru
Page 14

Feb. 19
mAta narasiMhashcha pitA narasimhO

bhrAta narasiMhashcha sakha narasiMhaH
vidyA narasiMhaM draviNaM narsiMhaH
swami narasiMhaM sakalaM narasiMhaH
itO narasiMhO paratO narasiMhaH
yatO yatO yAti tatO narasImhaH
narasiMha dEvAdaparaM na kiMchit
tasmAn narasiMhaM sharaNaM prapadyE
bharjanaM bhava bIjAnAm sarjanaM sarva saMpadAM
trAsanaM yamadUtAnAM nRuharE nAma garjanaM
narasiMha, narasiMha, narasiMha....
Ahobila narasiMha swAmy prityOstu

shrI krishnArpanamastu
Compiled from Various Sources:

A hand out given during our trip : Jan 25 27, 2013
http://www.ahobilamutt.org
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Ahobila NarasiMha Darshana

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Ahobila NarasiMha Darshana

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Ahobila NarasiMha Darshana parichayAtmaka lEkhana

2013 May 23,

Shri Ahobila kshEtra

Compiled by Aravind Madabhavi, Bangalore